Contractor vs Design/Build
serenityvoss
2 years ago
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serenityvoss
2 years agoRelated Discussions
Design/Build vs Architect and Contractor for Finishing an Attic
Comments (2)There are advantages to both project delivery methods and if done well they should have similar results for a similar price but there are a lot of variables. To me the decision depends on how much control you want to have in all phases of the project but especially during construction, and how much you are concerned with custom detailing. Even if the design-builder is fair and competent, he will always have a conflict of interest since he can't represent both sides of the contract at the same time. Of course, it would not be as critical for an attic renovation as for an entire house....See Moredesign/build firm, contractor or carpenter?
Comments (4)Or a kitchen dealership. It depends on the kitchen dealers that are in your area and how they are set up. Also depends on the amount of service you want or need. You could hire kitchen dealer for design, cabinets, countertops, hardware...misc materials. Then hire them to install (if they offer installation) or, hire your own general contractor. Or skip that and hire a Design/build firm. DB is usually the most expensive route, but you get what you pay for. DB will have more hand holding and service along the way....See MoreArchitect+contractor or design-build firm: advice please!
Comments (4)Hi, In either case you've got a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem. You'll need at least a concept plan to get a reasonably accurate estimate of construction costs. You'll need to invest some amount of money to develop the plans--whether by an independent architect or design/build firm. The good news is that you don't need a fully detailed, fully-engineered "biddable" set of plans for that. Absent a set of concept plans, you could use cost data published in Remodeling Magazine's Cost-Vs. Value Report to infer the likely cost for your project http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2017/ In our market we've found the cost data to be pretty good for budget purposes. If you go the architect-first route, get your remodeler on board as soon as possible so the design can be informed by real-world cost information. Architects don't typically build stuff, don't write checks for materials and labor, and don't get a heads-up from suppliers about pending price increases. The cost information they'll have is for completed projects. With dimensional lumber prices up as much as 30% in the last year, using even 12 month old cost data is like driving by looking in the rear view mirror. Best wishes for a successful project....See MoreRenovation w/design-build firm or architect/contractor
Comments (1)I found architects in my area vastly underestimate the cost to see their plans to fruition. This is why so many homes are sold with addition plans included with house purchase. I too live in a high COL area. So I worked backwards and paid contractors to look at my house, listen to rough plans and give me rough estimates. When we realized we could afford to move forward we then hired an architect for design and paid to retain their help during construction in case form did not work with my 95 year old house's functions. We then submitted our plans for actual cost bids to the GCs we liked best. The true estimates were very close in cost as my rough were. We picked our GC after all bids were looked through and signed with our chosen contractor. I then hired and ID to help with finishes and tiles. My work was building above a 1920s sunroom with full foundation below it to add a master bath. It came out to being about 650 per sq ft. with midrange fixtures and finishes as a cost reference point. I am in ct within the metro north commuting line....See Morekj s
2 years agoCharles Ross Homes
2 years agoplan2remodel
2 years agoCharles Ross Homes
2 years agoplan2remodel
2 years agoCharles Ross Homes
2 years ago
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